Principal/Associate Director/Technical Director Ornithologist

Overview

Lead ornithology projects, advise clients, oversee team, focus on renewables

Key Responsibilities

• project lead
• renewable energy
• technical documentation
• stakeholder liaison
• team coordination
• technical review

Tasks

As a senior level Ornithologist you will lead on your own projects and support the existing team. Project work will be varied, but there will be a strong focus on renewable energy schemes as well as other commercial development projects. You will work closely with our clients, providing clear advice and robust documentation to support projects across the UK. Liaison with planning authorities, statutory agencies and stakeholders is a key part of the role. In this role you will also help co-ordinate our team of ecologists and oversee sub-consultants, providing support, technical review and mentoring expertise.

Requirements

• field ornithology
• survey techniques
• technical reports
• cieem member
• consultancy
• director level

What You Bring

Consultancy experience is required for this role. Candidates will have a relevant degree and preferably be a CIEEM member, as well as a full clean drivers’ license. The successful candidate will ideally be based in our Lower Stretton (near Warrington) office or Falkirk, although hybrid (remote / home working) will be considered. Avian Ecology is looking for a Principal/Associate Director or Technical Director level Ornithologists to join our team of skilled professionals, in response to our continuing growth, particularly in the renewables sector. -Ability to provide clear, succinct and robust technical reports, including Ecological Impact Assessments and Technical Appendices. -Strong experience of field ornithology, survey techniques and of carrying out surveys as part of infrastructure design or construction. -Experience in technical review of the work of others, and in developing a wider ecology team. -Strong communication skills, including experience of working as part of a wider EIA team. -Demonstrable experience in advising clients on the ornithology requirements of their projects. -A strong understanding of relevant and emerging UK wide environmental /ecological policy and legislation. -A strong knowledge of UK bird species, ecology and distribution. -Adept at developing strong relationships with clients, statutory agencies and stakeholders.

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Benefits

This is a full-time permanent role. Salary will be competitive (£45-£65k) and dependent on experience. Avian Ecology provides a professional and progressive environment. We are committed to attracting and retaining the highest calibre of personnel and provide them with an opportunity to flourish in an team where excellence and progression is encouraged, supported and rewarded. We offer a strong remuneration package in a friendly, dynamic and flexible working environment, and we support and encourage professional development and training. You will be a flexible, diligent and pro-active person who is motivated to work either alone or as part of a team to consistently high standards. Whilst some site visits and occasional participation in field surveys will be required, this is not a field role.

About Avian Ecology Ltd

-Headquartered in Lower Stretton, it delivers services from project inception through to consent—supporting diverse sectors. -Their core projects include detailed protected‑species and habitat surveys, ecological impact assessments and collision‑risk modelling for wind farms. -They lead innovative habitat‑creation schemes, turning industrial land into wetlands for species like ringed plover and redshank. -Their monitoring work, such as at Orchard End Wind Farm, supports long‑term compliance and effective goose habitat management. -They offer planning‑stage services including PEAs, HRA, EIA chapters and expert‑witness roles—working seamlessly with public and private clients. -They integrate GIS mapping, mitigation design and biodiversity‑net‑gain strategies into project delivery. -Their narrative is one of combining ecological rigour and commercial pragmatism to enable development that safeguards wildlife.

Sector Specialisms